Aigles Bleus hand Axemen second OT loss in row
Moncton improves to 6-5-0 with Shootout victory over CIS No. 4 Acadia
29/11/2013 11:38 pm
WOLFVILLE, N.S. – The Moncton Aigles Bleus erased a 2-0 first period deficit and grabbed a 4-3 overtime shootout win to improve to 6-5-0. A late third period delay-of-game penalty by Acadia cost them the victory. Eric Faille tied the game with 48 seconds remaining in regulation time on the powerplay and scored the shootout winner, earning him the Subway First Star of the Game.
Brandon Glover stopped 39 of 42 shots and received the games third star for his performance.
Acadia’s Dylan Anderson opened the scoring early in the first on a remarkable deke, out-skating the Moncton defenseman, cutting across the crease and netting his third of the season.
Later in the period, Wolfville, N.S. native KC Brown was the recipient of a beautiful tic-tac-toe goal, picking up his first of the year and putting the Axemen up by two. Only a minute and 39 seconds later, Moncton’s Pier-Antoine Dion went top shelf over a sprawling Brandon Glover to bring the Aigles Bleus back to within one.
The second period saw missed opportunities for both sides as Acadia and Moncton went 0-1 on the power play, but the third frame started off with a strange play from the right faceoff dot. Moncton’s Alex Emond won the draw forward with a shot on net, creating a rebound that line mate Allain Saulnier was able to pounce on for his second goal of the game.
Acadia’s Dustin Ekelman scored the game’s fifth and his third goal of the season on the powerplay following a point shot by Chris Owens that hit Ekelman in the chest. The puck dropped down in front of him in the crease, allowing Ekelman to tap in the go ahead goal.
After a late period two minute minor penalty issued to Acadia, Moncton pulled their goalie giving the Aigles Bleus a short 6 on 4. After accepting a pass from behind the net, Eric Faille went between the legs of the Glover, tying the game with 52 seconds remaining.
The 10-minute overtime period had no resolve, leading the game into an overtime shootout. Acadia opted to shoot first, sending out Brett Thompson who was stopped by the pad of Lemay. Next was Danny Chiasson, who missed his opportunity. The third shooter and second for Acadia was Alex Beaton, who was also stopped on his chance.
The late game hero, Faille, was next to shoot and he made no mistake, sliding Glover across the crease and sneaking the puck through five-hole.
Acadia captain Liam Heelis had to score to keep the shootout alive, but unfortunately this was not the case as he rang one of the crossbar. The missed opportunity completed the Moncton comeback.
Adrien Lemay made 50 saves for Moncton, earning him the second star of the game. Moncton was able to shutdown league leading scorer Liam Heelis to no points – only the second time this season.
Acadia (10-1-2) takes on the CIS No. 3 ranked UNB Varsity Reds (11-1-1) at home tomorrow night in the last game before the Holiday break, while the Aigles Bleus (6-5-0) travel to Halifax to take on the Dalhousie Tigers (1-11-1).
Submitted by Mitchell Racine – Acadia Sports Information Office